Solar

11 pages, 2648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Practical Approach for Estimating the Optimum Tilt Angle of a Photovoltaic Panel for a Long Period—Experimental Recorded Data

by Reza Hassanian, Morris Riedel, Nashmin Yeganeh and Runar Unnthorsson

Solar 2021, 1(1), 41-51; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/solar1010005 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 9351

Abstract

In this study, recorded empirical data were applied with a practical approach to investigate the optimal tilt angle of the flat plate collectors facing south for a long period in Tehran, Iran. The data included 20 years of recorded average total radiation on [...] Read more.

In this study, recorded empirical data were applied with a practical approach to investigate the optimal tilt angle of the flat plate collectors facing south for a long period in Tehran, Iran. The data included 20 years of recorded average total radiation on the horizontal plane in Tehran’s meteorological station. Based on the previous studies, the annual optimum tilt angle for Tehran was estimated at 33 degrees annually; however, this estimation does not focus on the energy absorption and effectiveness of changing the tilt angle monthly, seasonally, and bi-annually via measured data. This paper aims to explain this distinction between various radiation receptions with different tilt angle adjustments. This study shows that annual solar cumulative radiation energy gained via a monthly tilt angle can be approximately 7% higher than that achieved with an annual tilt angle setup. Additionally, the seasonal and bi-annual tilt angles have about 6% more annual cumulative radiation absorption than the annual tilt angle setup. Moreover, with consideration of similar monthly received radiation, the results illustrate that the radiation gained with a monthly tilt angle set up was 20% greater in the summer months than an annual tilt angle adjustment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Solar Thermal Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)

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11 pages, 2837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Electrical Properties of Alkali-Doped ZnO Thin Films with Chemical Process

by Jaime G. Cuadra, Samuel Porcar, Diego Fraga, Teodora Stoyanova-Lyubenova and Juan B. Carda

Solar 2021, 1(1), 30-40; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/solar1010004 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2664

Abstract

Doped ZnO are among the most attractive transparent conductive oxides for solar cells because they are relatively cheap, can be textured for light trapping, and readily produced for large-scale coatings. Here, we focus on the development of alternative Na and K-doped ZnO prepared [...] Read more.

Doped ZnO are among the most attractive transparent conductive oxides for solar cells because they are relatively cheap, can be textured for light trapping, and readily produced for large-scale coatings. Here, we focus on the development of alternative Na and K-doped ZnO prepared by an easy low-cost spray pyrolysis method for conducting oxide application. To enhance the electrical properties of zinc oxide, alkali-doped Zn_1−x M_xO (x = 0.03) solid solutions were investigated. The resulting layers crystallize in a single hexagonal phase of wurtzite structure with preferred c-axis orientation along a (002) crystal plane. Dense, well attached to the substrate, homogeneous and highly transparent layers were obtained with great optical transmittance higher than 80%. The optical energy band gap of doped ZnO films increase from 3.27 to 3.29 eV by doping with Na and K, respectively. The electrical resistivity of the undoped ZnO could be decreased from 1.03 × 10⁻¹ Ω.cm to 5.64 × 10⁻² Ω.cm (K-doped) and 3.18 × 10⁻² (Na-doped), respectively. Lastly, the carrier concentrations increased from 5.17 × 10¹⁷ (undoped ZnO) to 1 × 10¹⁸ (doped ZnO). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar Technologies—A Snapshot of the Editorial Board)

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26 pages, 2726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generated Value of Electricity Versus Incurred Cost for Solar Arrays under Conditions of High Solar Penetration

by Adrian B. Boivin and Jonathan F. Holzman

Solar 2021, 1(1), 4-29; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/solar1010003 - 14 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2752

Abstract

This work considers an emerging value-based paradigm for solar generation under high penetration, in light of its conflicting cycles of supply and demand. The resulting swings in electricity prices, in locales such as California, call into question the aim of optimizing solar arrays [...] Read more.

This work considers an emerging value-based paradigm for solar generation under high penetration, in light of its conflicting cycles of supply and demand. The resulting swings in electricity prices, in locales such as California, call into question the aim of optimizing solar arrays solely in terms of accumulated electrical power. Thus, this work studies solar arrays in terms of value, as an accumulated product of electrical power and price, where solar arrays that generate greater electrical power over more profitable early- and late-day hours yield improved value. Experimental, theoretical, and economic analyses are given to characterize the industry-standard angled-panel, an alternative V-groove, and a new U-groove array over a 5-year study. The trends and projections suggest that the industry-standard angled-panel array realizes the best value-based performance at present, although it will likely be outperformed in the foreseeable future by the V-groove array. Full article

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2 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Solar—A New Open Access Journal for Solar Technologies

by Juergen H. Werner

Solar 2021, 1(1), 2-3; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/solar1010002 - 03 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2559

Abstract

Climate change and the consequential environmental catastrophes are real, not only in less developed countries of the so-called “Global South” but also in so-called industrialized and “well-developed” areas of the world! Just within the last few months and years, we have seen high-temperature [...] Read more.

Climate change and the consequential environmental catastrophes are real, not only in less developed countries of the so-called “Global South” but also in so-called industrialized and “well-developed” areas of the world! Just within the last few months and years, we have seen high-temperature records in the United States, fire disasters in Canada, Australia, Greece, Italy, and Spain [...] Full article

1 pages, 163 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Publisher’s Note to Launch Solar

by Yu Lin, Giulia Stefenelli and Liliane Auwerter

Solar 2021, 1(1), 1; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/solar1010001 - 29 Jun 2021

Viewed by 1833

Abstract

Solar energy is the basis for life on earth [...] Full article

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Solar, Volume 1, Issue 1 (December 2021) – 5 articles

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